Learnings and best practices for operator and supplier social engagement in regional areas

Abstract

Broadspectrum’s local content experience in the oil and gas, mining, industrial, defence, social, property and infrastructure industries has resulted in 85% local employment and 80% local purchasing across our contracts in Australia. An established pilot program in Chinchilla recognises the challenges facing operators and suppliers in many oil and gas hubs across Australia and will enable the region to respond quickly to the introduction of the Queensland Government Strong and Sustainable Resources Communities Bill (expected to be in place in 2016). The approach facilitates collaboration between schools, workers, local chambers of commerce and businesses. Elements include a community jobs portal to attract local workers and act as an information exchange for the relocating worker, investing in the local Chamber of Commerce to provide a welcoming service, redesigning the recruitment process to support local content, and deploying a local registered training organisation. We are committed to increasing our local workforce in the region by 25% over the next 2 years and recognise that many of our clients and suppliers in the region have similar objectives. This talk will focus on lessons and best practices derived from delivery of our traditional approach in similar industries and regions, as well as learnings from the application of the pilot program in Chinchilla. A review of early achievements will be given, including measurable outcomes; support from government; investment in a long-term pipeline of local workers through collaboration with schools; and an update on the 25% increase in local workers objective.